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Book Review of Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18)

Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18)
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Helpful Score: 1


The 18th installment of the Stephanie Plum series picks up not long after 17 ends. Stephanie comes back from Hawaii with a tan line on her ring finger, where an obvious ring was being worn for some time. When questioned about it repeatedly by everyone, Stephanie keeps it under wraps by stating its complicated.

Interestingly enough, the ring or lack thereof and possible mysterious marriage isnt the central plot of the story. Neither is the fact that Joe and Ranger both went to Hawaii and Stephanie came home after they punched each other out. About halfway into the book, Stephanie gives a very watered down explanation about what happened, but there should have been more. I wanted moreespecially where Ranger is concerned, but there wasnt, much to my disappointment and frustration. As more of this story opens up and unfolds, the more I am destined to be frustrated as I am sure Stephanie is frustrated. Even still, Stephanie has the best of both worlds at her feet. Two hot, hunky men who think shes the bees knees isnt really a problem and I know at some point she will eventually choose one of them (maybe), but until then I am enjoying watching her be frustrated.

The arrival of Joyce Barnhardt at Stephanies door is one aspect of this story that should have annoyed me, but didnt. Joyce is Stephanies biggest nemesis, but I never in a million years would have expected Stephanie to allow Joyce to move in! Although, Joyce doesnt really give Stephanie much choice in the matter as she is one of Stephanies FTAs and promises to turn herself into Stephanie in exchange for Stephanies help.

Ive come to expect the wacky and zany with this series and thats exactly what Explosive Eighteen delivers. I have learned that I can put up with a lot of nuttiness for my Ranger fix. I just wish there was more Ranger appearances. The series seems to focus on Joe getting face time with Stephanie and though thats my guess as to who she will end up being with, I am just not ready for Stephanie to make that choice yet.